Looking for a delicious and light summer dish? Look no further than Crab Salad! Made with imitation crab meat and a mayonnaise-based dressing, it's perfect for picnics and potlucks. It's also easy to make, so you can whip it up in no time. Give this recipe a try today!
Crab Salad Ingredients
Imitation Crab
What is Imitation Crab?
Imitation crab, also known as crab stick, is a popular seafood dish made from fish paste that is shaped and flavored to resemble crab meat. It is often used in sushi and can be found in most grocery stores. Imitation crab is usually made from surimi, which is a type of fish paste made from white fish such as pollock or tilapia. The paste is mixed with salt, egg whites, and other ingredients to bind it together, then formed into sticks or sheets. It is then boiled and cooled to set the shape before being flavored with crab extract or other seasonings. Imitation crab can also be made from Krabbe, a type of lobster found in Scandinavian countries. The Krabbe is boiled and shredded, then mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, and bread crumbs to bind it together. It is then shaped into sticks or sheets and flavored with Old Bay seasoning or paprika. Imitation crab can be used in any recipe that calls for crab meat, such as Crab Salad.
The only reason I would ever personally use imitation crab is due to availability and price. I live in northeast Texas. Given the size of texas might as well be the midwest. So, there isn't a whole lot of fresh crab readily available. Also, went I went to our local grocery store and weighed my options I looked at a small tiny can of crab for $40 and a package of imitation crab for less than $10.
Price and availability won!
Fruits and Vegetables
For this crab salad recipe, you're going to want shallots, green onions, and the juice of fresh lemon.
Seasonings, Spices, and Herbs
The seasonings, spices, and herbs are pretty simple for a great Crab Salad recipe. In fact, I say you don't want to overdo it. Let the crab flavor shine through. You'll want to grab some kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chop up some fresh dill.
Crab Salad Dressing
For the crab salad dressing base, you'll need mayonnaise, stone ground mustard, and sour cream. I'm sure you already have these ingredients.
So what are we waiting for...Let's make it!
How to make Crab Salad
Start by dicing up the imitation crab. I find that it's easiest in a hand-powered food processor. Simply add the pieces and give it a few good spins until your desired texture.
Next, dice up the shallots and green onions. You can obviously do this using the exact same hand-powered food processor or with a sharp kitchen knife, whichever you prefer.
Add the imitation crab along with the shallots and green onions to a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, stone ground mustard, sour cream, fresh dill, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Lastly, pour the crab salad dressing over the imitation crab and veggie mixture and gently stir to combine all of the ingredients.
I recommend covering and refrigerating for at least 2 hours before serving. This will not only allow everything to get cold again but will give the flavors time to meld.
3 Ways to serve Crab Salad
Crab Salad Sandwich
The first way my family and I prefer to enjoy crab salad is on a sandwich. Specifically on a croissant with fresh lettuce and sliced tomato. Unfortunately, I didn't have either of those condiments when photographing for this post.
Crab Salad on a Salad
The second best option is to simply put your crab salad on your salad. That could be any salad with an array of different greens and toppings. Simply make your salad and top it off with a generous scoop of this summertime classic.
Crab Salad Dip
If you're planning on having a party or attending one, this has to be in your top five go-to recipes. It's colorful, flavorful, and versatile. Simply pair your crab salad with an array of crackers and you've got an entire platter for everyone to hover over.
In Conclusion
Crab salad is so fresh and summery tasting that you can't go wrong with making it for your family and friends. I mean...unless they have a fish allergy or something. I'd probably let everyone know that it's fish. But, past that, it's fast, easy, pretty, and flavorful.
Whip some of this crab salad up asap and let me know in the comments what you think! Also, if you're looking for the perfect side to Crab Salad sandwiches, check out this recipe for pea salad!
I really appreciate each and every one of you...
Happy cooking!
-Jeremy
📖 Recipe
Crab Salad Recipe: A Light and Refreshing Summer Dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb Imitation Crab - diced
- 1 Shallot - diced
- 3-4 Green Onions - sliced
- Juice of Half a Lemon
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ tsp. Smoked Paprika
- ½ Tbsp. Fresh Dill - diced
- ½ Cup Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Stone Ground Mustard
- ¼ Cup Sour Cream
Instructions
- Start by dicing up the imitation crab. I find that it's easiest in a hand-powered food processor. Simply add the pieces and give it a few good spins until your desired texture.
- Next, dice up the shallots and green onions. You can obviously do this using the exact same hand-powered food processor or with a sharp kitchen knife, whichever you prefer.
- Add the imitation crab along with the shallots and green onions to a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, stone ground mustard, sour cream, fresh dill, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Lastly, pour the crab salad dressing over the imitation crab and veggie mixture and gently stir to combine all of the ingredients.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This will not only allow everything to get cold again but will give the flavors time to meld.
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